By Zivanai Dhewa
Pressure continues to mount on MDC Alliance Deputy Chairperson and former PDP leader, Tendai Biti to return the party’s Mutare office which he grabbed during their split in 2015.
This was revealed in the National Executive Council meeting held recently at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House. The NEC members inquired on why Biti registered the party’s Mutare office under the name of former Dangamvura/Chikanga National Assembly member, Arnold Tsunga.
After a heated debate on the subject of party properties, it was revealed that MDC Alliance Vice President Welshman Ncube had also returned two party properties he had also grabbed during their split in 2005. The NEC demanded that Biti follow suit and return the party property.
The debate was calmed down by party president, Nelson Chamisa who told the NEC members that a detailed report of party properties returned will be presented after consolidation.
Well-placed sources within the party said although Biti was nominated for vice president’s post, he is aware that Chamisa doesn’t want him in the inner circle because of his power and influence. Biti is therefore reluctant to return the Mutare party office after reflecting on his future in the party which is obviously bleak.
Sources further revealed that Chamisa is planning to manipulate the system to accommodate Welshman Ncube, Morgan Komichi and one lady for vice president’s positions, obliterating Biti’s chances and relegating him to an ordinary card carrying member.
In the event that it develops that way, Biti wishes to re-launch his party. The source added that the relationship between Biti and Chamisa is not in good books following differences on the way forward after MDC’s defeat in the 2018 election. The US province wants Biti to be the face of the MDC Alliance although they did not nominate him for the presidents.
It was further revealed that Chamisa wants more sanctions against Zimbabwe to force ZANU PF out of power through civil unrest while Biti is for inclusive government. Outgoing Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora, vice president Elias Mudzuri, Lilian Timveous and Amos Chibaya are all in support of an Inclusive Government.
